Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith is calling on the home crowd to deliver in a moment the franchise hasn’t experienced since 2000.
“They’ve been waiting 25 years for this, so they better bring the heat,” Nesmith said Tuesday ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Pacers are set to host their first Finals game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night, with the best-of-seven series tied 1-1.
Nesmith, who has started every game this postseason, emphasized the impact a charged-up environment can have on both ends of the floor.
Oklahoma City dominated Game 2 at home, riding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points to a 123-107 win. Indiana struggled to match the Thunder’s intensity, committing 13 turnovers and falling behind by as many as 26.
Now back in Indianapolis, Nesmith believes the crowd can tilt momentum in the Pacers’ favor.
Nesmith, 25, finished Game 2 with nine points and four rebounds in 31 minutes.
Wednesday’s game will mark the Pacers’ first home Finals appearance since June 14, 2000, when they defeated the Lakers in Game 5 of that year’s series.
